Abuse of position plans by police are ‘comprehensive’

Ben O’Connell

An independent review has found Northumbria Police’s plans to prevent abuses of position for a sexual purpose are ‘comprehensive’.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) required all 43 forces in England and Wales to implement a plan to achieve the capability and capacity required to seek intelligence on potential abuse of authority for sexual gain.

This was to ensure forces could intervene early to safeguard potential victims and tackle unacceptable and potentially corrupt behaviour.

After reviewing Northumbria Police’s plans, HMICFRS found them to be ‘comprehensive’ and reflected the national strategy.

Supt Janice Hutton, of Northumbria Police’s professional standards department, said: “The sexual exploitation of vulnerable women and men is the most serious form of corruption and it can never be justified or condoned.

“The vast majority of our Northumbria Police officers do their jobs with the upmost integrity and we are determined to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are given the protection they deserve.”

Northumbria PCC, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “It is good that HMICFRS confirms that our force has the right strategy in place to protect anyone who may fall foul of the very occasional rogue officer. They are few and far between but it is key that they are rooted out quickly so that the public can have full confidence.”